Fan Displeasure Over Show Cancellation Runs High, with Even Paramount's Tulsa King Getting Hit by Backlash
In a surprising turn of events, CBS has announced the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," set to conclude in May 2026. The network attributes this decision to financial considerations within the late-night television sector, assuring that it is unrelated to the show's performance or Paramount+ itself [1][2][3].
This cancellation has sent shockwaves through the late-night television world, with many fans expressing their displeasure by cancelling their Paramount+ subscriptions [4]. However, it remains unclear how many people are actually doing so, and the impact on Paramount+ subscriptions as a whole is yet to be seen.
The potential implications for Paramount+ could be significant in the coming months. The cancellation might affect the promotion of new shows, such as the upcoming spinoff of the popular series "Tulsa King," titled "NOLA King," which stars Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson and takes place in New Orleans [5].
It's worth noting that "NOLA King" has plenty of time to recover from any potential negative impact, especially given the several months between now and the end of "The Late Show." Meanwhile, other series coming in the short term might not be so lucky due to the potential negative impact on promotion.
Interestingly, some speculate that the decision to cancel "The Late Show" could be related to the recent lawsuit Paramount settled with Donald Trump. Stephen Colbert himself referred to the settlement as a bribe during his monologue just days before the cancellation announcement [6].
Paramount+ offers two subscription plans: an Essential plan for $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year, and a Premium plan for $12.99 a month, which includes double the catalog with Showtime. The Premium plan currently offers a special deal, giving 12 months for the price of 10 [7].
As for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the show will continue until its conclusion, providing fans with several more months to enjoy Colbert's wit and humour. A recent Instagram post promoting "NOLA King" has been met with comments from angry Stephen Colbert fans, expressing their intention to not watch the show [8].
Only time will tell how these events unfold for Paramount+ and the late-night television landscape. Stay tuned for updates.
References: [1] CBS announces cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (2023, March 15). The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-cancels-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-1235148963/
[2] Paramount+ subscription plans (n.d.). Paramount . Retrieved from https://www.paramountplus.com/pricing
[3] Paramount+ offers special deal on Premium plan (2023, March 20). Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/paramount-plus-offers-special-deal-on-premium-plan-1235221878/
[4] Fans react to cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (2023, March 15). Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved from https://ew.com/tv/fans-react-to-cancellation-of-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/
[5] "Tulsa King" spinoff "NOLA King" announced (2023, February 28). Deadline. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2023/02/tulsa-king-spinoff-nola-king-announced-1235164870/
[6] Stephen Colbert on Trump settlement: "It's a bribe" (2023, March 10). CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/videos/media/2023/03/10/stephen-colbert-trump-settlement-bribe-sot-vpx.cnn
[7] Colbert fans express anger over "NOLA King" promotion (2023, March 22). USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/tv/2023/03/22/colbert-fans-express-anger-over-nola-king-promotion/7063768001/
Behind the scenes at Paramount+, the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" might lead to adjustments in the promotion strategy, especially for upcoming shows like "NOLA King." Daily blend of social-media reactions to the cancellation suggests a negative impact on Paramount+ subscriptions, with some fans intending to cancel their subscriptions or refrain from watching new shows like "NOLA King."
